Udupi: Prices of Vegetables, Fruits Doubled; Housewives Struggle at Difficult Times

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 31 May 2013 : The common-folks were happy because of gold prices have come down, but gets a shock to know the hike in prices of fruits and vegetables that are essential for daily living.

   
The low-yield of vegetable crops owing to insufficient rains led to hike in its prices, while on the other hand the demand for vegetables and fruits are doubled owing to auspicious celebrations ahead of monsoon season, which has forced the greedy merchants to hike the prices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hosts who will have to entertain the guests with sumptuous food had to buy vegetables whatever the rate the merchant quotes. The nexus of merchants, middlemen work closely to exploit the situation owing to which the prices of fruits and vegetables have nearly trebled.

The beans that was sold for Rs 1,800 per quintal during January in the vegetable market here increased to Rs 4,200 in May.  Carrot that was sold for Rs 1,800 per quintal is sold for Rs 4,500.  The lentil that was sold for Rs 1,800 per quintal is sold for Rs 5,200.  Tomato that was sold for Rs 1,200 per quintal is sold for Rs 2,200, similarly the prices of spinach, beetroot, cabbage, etc are nearly doubled.

The prices of fruits also nearly doubled, the apples that was sold for Rs 10,500 per quintal is sold for Rs 13,500.  The grapes that was sold for Rs 3,300 is sold for Rs 4,300.  The oranges that was sold for Rs 2,200 is sold for Rs 4,700, similarly the prices of rest of the fruits also nearly doubled.

The prices of pulses and grains also hiked, the toor dal that was sold for Rs 4,300 about 4 months ago now sold for Rs 4,500, green peas and coriander prices stands at Rs 5,800 and Rs 10,500 respectively.  The prices of onion, garlic, rice, paddy, maize, wheat, jaggery etc also hiked.  The chilly price is too dear for common-folks like rare spice.

The customers hope the prices will be stabilized after the auspicious season comes to an end and the demand for vegetables subsides.  Meanwhile, it’s a challenge to housewife to balance her budget if the monsoon becomes erratic and the prices of vegetables do not subside.

Ginger - the most expensive:

Although the prices of vegetables, fruits and leafy vegetables hiked, the price of ginger has skyrocketed.  The price of ginger is further rising, despite slash in price of gold.  The price of ginger during January was Rs 2,600, Rs 2,900 in February, Rs 3,200 in March, Rs 6,700 in April and in May it is Rs 10,200 per quintal.  It’s fortunate that one does not need ginger in  huge quantities like the vegetables!!!